Salgaocar FC have bounced back with a victory against Mumbai FC in their last fixture, handing them only a temporary relief in the standings table as they distance themselves from the bottom cluster.

David Booth's side has earned 13 of their 23 points in the New Year, but Salgaocar's aim however will be to move beyond the mathematical possibilities of getting relegated given the team's inconsistent form over the last couple of matches despite a recent revamp.

To make matters worse, Salgaocar will be without the services of Josimar da Silva Martins who was handed a two-match for an off-the-ball incident that the Brazilian striker was involved in against Sporting Clube de Goa, while Milagres Gonsalves is also unavailable for selection due to suspension. Meanwhile, Gabriel Obatola will have to convert his chances given the striker's poor conversion rate ever since his arrival at the club.

Obatola has scored only once in six games

Churchill Brothers SC have a strong line-up in the attacking third, but will be rather hit in the defensive segment without key players like Denzil Franco, Lamine Tamba and Thangjam Saran Singh.

The league leaders will hence rely on their front pair, especially with Henry Antchouet being in good nick, while hoping for India captain Sunil Chhetri to find his form in front of goal. Beto will be expected to play the role of the make-shift striker while Balal Arezou is another option in attack.

Mariano Dias' side will also look to add pressure on East Bengal in the title race, by hoping for nothing less than a win, in order to move five points clear of the Red and Gold, at least until the Kolkatan outfit play on Friday.

TEAM NEWS

Salgaocar FC: Midfielder Randeep Singh and goalkeeper Karanjit Singh will return after serving a one-match ban. At the same time however, Josimar is yet to complete his two-match ban, while Milagres Gonsalves and Rocus Lamare will miss out as the duo have picked four yellows cards in Salgaocar's previous fixtures.

Churchill Brothers SC: The Red Machines will meanwhile will be without regular right-back Denzil Franco, who has also picked four yellow cards in Churchill's previous matches, while Thangjam Saran Singh and Lamine Tamba are ruled out due to injury concerns.

DID YOU KNOW?

Salgaocar FC have won three of the fives times they faced Churchill Brothers in the I-League, with the latter winning the last match and drawing once.

Churchill Brothers SC striker Sunil Chhetri (right) is yet to score for his current club in the I-League, but has managed to score a goal in the AFC Cup competition already.

Churchill Brothers SC have an away win rate of 50.00% which is 10.00% better than Salgaocar's home win rate.

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